Ireland

Around Carlow
County Kildare

The Curragh, Co. Kildare

The Curragh is a flat open plain of almost 2,000 hectares (5,000 acres) of common land in County Kildare. The name Curragh comes from the Irish word “currach” which translates as “plain”, a place of the running horse. So, the Curragh is Ireland’s largest, finest, and possibly only, example of a surviving ancient lowland unenclosed […]

Read More
Kilkea Castle, County Kildare
Around Carlow
County Kildare

Kilkea Castle, Co. Kildare

Only twenty minutes drive from Carlow Town is located a stunning 12th Century Kilkea Castle. It is one of the oldest inhabited castles in Ireland. And, it was a medieval stronghold of the Fitzgeralds, earls of Kildare. The Castle is located in the small village of Kilkea, in County Kildare. It is 5 km northwest […]

Read More
Carlow Attractions
Castles

Clonmore Castle

Not far from Hacketstown, in the east of County Carlow, the outskirts of Clonmore village, can be found the ruin of Clonmore Castle. What`s more, of all the castles of County Carlow (and in the fifteenth century, there were at least one hundred and fifty) none has more impressive remains than that of the castle […]

Read More
Carlow Attractions

Borris Viaduct

22nd of July was the official opening of the revamped Borris Viaduct. Impressive sixteen arch Viaduct, with spectacular views to the Blackstairs Mountains and Mount Leinster, has recently received work by Carlow County Council to make it safer and more accessible. They called the Viaduct “A bridge to the past and a link to the […]

Read More
Carlow Attractions
Must visit place in Carlow
Towns and Village

Borris

Borris is a Georgian, granite village, full of charm and heritage. Nestling in the fertile valley of the River Barrow, below the curve of the Blackstairs Mountains. With its traditional Irish street front and spectacular mountain setting. Borris village is a popular stop for those boating or walking in the area. The name denotes a […]

Read More
Carlow Attractions
Cottages

Ivy Cottage at Borris

Ivy Cottage at Borris is the most beautiful cottage I’ve seen in County Carlow. It is located just at the entrance to Borris village. Beautiful Borris village is full of charm and looks like time stopped here. The cottage is called Ivy Cottage and it`s all ivy-covered. Ivy symbolizes fidelity (it won’t easily let go […]

Read More
Carlow Attractions
Castles
Must visit place in Carlow
National Monument

Ballymoon Castle

Out of hundreds of ruined castles across Ireland, Ballymoon Castle is one of the more unique and mysterious. Situated in the Barrow Valley, approximately 2 miles (3 km) east of Muine Bheag (Bagenalstown), County Carlow, Ireland. Ballymoon Castle is located only 3,8 km from Ballyloughan Castle. Like many other Irish castles, Ballymoon has no recorded […]

Read More
Carlow Attractions
Gardens

Altamont Gardens in Summer

It`s been a long time since I’ve visited the fabulous Altamont Gardens. And finally, I visited it in Summer, in June. It`s one of the best and must-visit places in County Carlow. These gardens are so peaceful and delightful and offer amazing walks around a lake and through a forest area. It`s so green and […]

Read More
Carlow Attractions
Castles
National Monument

Ballyloughan Castle

Ballyloughan Castle is a ruined castle and National Monument of Ireland. Located in County Carlow near Bagenalstown. Today, a twin-towered gatehouse, the hall, and the foundations of one of the corner towers, dating to about 1300 remain. What`s more, Ballyloughan`s gatehouse, which protected the entrance to the castle, is one of the finest examples of […]

Read More
Carlow Attractions

Carlow Sugar Factory

The story of Carlow Sugar Factory begins in 1925. County Carlow was selected as the best county for the sugar factory because it is situated in a rich tillage area, and, sugar beet was a crop well suited to the local growing conditions. Besides, Carlow had good rail and waterway connections. So, its produce could […]

Read More
5km from Carlow Town
Carlow Attractions
Parks and Forests

Clogrennane Wood

Clogrennane Wood is a marvelous County Carlow woodland, one of the popular places listed under the National Park in Carlow. It is an old woodland and has had forestry since the 1800s. The predominant tree species include Beech, Spruce, Larch, and Oak with vegetation consistent with that of an old woodland. Depending on the season, […]

Read More
Carlow Attractions
Shopping

Fairgreen Shopping Centre

Fairgreen Shopping Centre commenced trading in October 2003 at a cost of €50 million. It is the largest and most modern shopping center in Carlow County. It includes over 40 shops as well as restaurants, bars, and a cinema. With a fantastic range of shops, food outlets, and a state-of-the-art IMC cinema. Fairgreen is the […]

Read More
Carlow Attractions

Must-visit places in County Carlow

Today is the seventh anniversary of my blog and as a summary, I would like to remind you about the places in County Carlow which are, in my opinion, the must-visit places. These are places that I already described on the blog. Carlow is a beautiful county, it has amazing gardens, unique historical castles, picturesque […]

Read More
5km from Carlow Town
Carlow Attractions
Cottages

River Cottage (Graiguecullen Carlow)

This lovely River Cottage is located at Sleaty Street, Graiguecullen, Co. Carlow. It is just next to St. Patricks Boys A.F.C (Graiguecullen Carlow), between Carlow Town Park and Carlow Parcel Collection Post. I pass it every day on my way to work. This River Cottage is decorated by plaques commemorating Irish Republican Army North and […]

Read More
5km from Carlow Town
Around Carlow
County Laois
National Monument

Sleaty Church, Co. Laois

Sleaty Church is a medieval church and National Monument of Ireland, located in County Laois. This Church is located about 2.5 km north of Carlow town, on the west bank of the River Barrow. St. Fiacc`s first monastery was on the other side of the River Barrow, but after 60 of his monks had died […]

Read More